If you find yourself tossing and turning much of the night, struggling to fall asleep, an organic bedroom just might be the solution you need to finally get that good night’s sleep. More than just organic sheets on the bed, an organic bedroom is a complete suite of natural materials. From the frame of the bed to the window treatments to the gentle glow of an ambient light fixture, “going green” in the bedroom is as close to sleeping outside under the stars as most people can get. This step-by-step guide will show you how to create a naturally harmonious, organically-healthy environment to rejuvenate your body and soul each night for the rest of your life.

From the Ground UpThe foundation of any organic bedroom suite is right underneath your feet. When creating the kind of space that soothes and relaxes tired muscles and joints, it is important to choose flooring that is as natural as possible. Hardwood floors are the best choice because, despite their name, the tongue-in-groove construction of most hardwood floors has an inherent bounce to it. Not only are you using a fully organic material, you are also utilizing construction techniques that create ergonomic motion as you walk. Instead of meeting resistance with every step, your body sways and moves with the rhythm of the earth. Laminate floors may look as nice but are an artificial surface and do not offer the same benefits of an organic hardwood floor.

Cork is another great surface for flooring and is hypoallergenic as well, making it the perfect choice for people with respiratory ailments. Lightweight and easy to install, cork also puts that natural spring in your step and is easy on tired muscles. Ceramic tile can be used in an organic bedroom, but take care to use only a small amount of grout. Grout can become a breeding ground for microbial germs unless sealed water-tight; however, the chemicals used in the sealant have been shown to be harmful if inhaled.

Cold feet? You might select one of the many natural-fiber carpets available today. Usually made from organic cotton, these tightly woven carpets are also made of wool and camel hair, and come in a variety of colors and textures to match even the most interesting decorating themes. Even if you opt for a hardwood floor, you might still consider a wool rug or a cotton floor cloth. These will keep your feet warm at night as you stroll from the bed to the window seat or down the hall to check on the kids.

It’s All in How You Frame ItA truly organic bedroom needs an organic bed. This means using hardwoods for the frame and coating it with a nontoxic finish, such as tung oil, orange oil or a milk-paint finish combining citrus solvents with oil for a beautiful waterproof finish. Oak is a traditional choice, and the wood’s natural amber color is complementary with many of today’s decorating colors.

Pine is another commonly used wood for bed frames, although the soft texture of the wood usually means a sturdier piece or additional reinforcements might be needed for under-mattress supports.

Maple, ash and walnut have been used for centuries by fine furniture makers and continue to be used today by traditional craftsmen such as the Amish and Native Americans. The solid hardness of these woods make them excellent choices for beds and, when constructed using traditional dovetail joinery that avoids the use of nails or screws, are a truly organic choice for getting a perfect night’s sleep. Matching chests and dressers will complete your bedroom ensemble and create an organic space that draws its energy from nature. Some organic practitioners believe the natural energy in the furniture is transferred to the occupant of the room during sleep, revitalizing and restoring the body.

Under the CoversOrganic bedroom bedding is becoming more readily available as manufacturers wake up to the demands of consumers for healthy alternatives to starched, chemically treated fabrics. Unless your bedding is 100 percent organic cotton, untreated cotton, wool or natural latex (rubber), the fabric was treated at the factory to be flame retardant. That means that the cozy, soft blanket you curl up in every night was sprayed with chemicals to create a flame-retardant barrier between you and a potential house fire.

Look for bedding that is made from organic or untreated cotton.

Hemp is also becoming readily available in many choices of textures and styles. Wool is a great choice in areas that have high humidity because the moisture-wicking properties of wool keep the body cooler. Lastly, avoid using down comforters because they quickly absorb moisture but rarely allow it to fully evaporate, creating a potential for mold in between the covers or, worse yet, underneath your nose as you rest your head on your favorite pillow.

Mattress covers are a terrific way to create additional softness under the covers and today’s organic choices include latex, wool and organic cotton. This is especially helpful if your mattress is not fully organic. Just like bedding, mattresses are sprayed with a flame retardant during the manufacturing process, and these retardants give off gasses for years after being applied. Using an organic mattress cover will keep you and the toxic fumes as far apart a possible.

Your best bet is to get rid of your traditional-style mattress and buy a natural latex one, provided you are not latex sensitive. Latex mattresses are antibacterial and are not penetrated by dust mites. They are soft to the touch and conform to the body, relieving stress on tired joints.

Clear the AirReduce all sources of air pollution in your home, including emissions from furniture finishes, wood stoves and chemically treated window dressings. Buy an air-purifying system for the bedroom or for each room in the house.

Keep plenty of potted plants in the bedroom and bathroom as well. Gerbera Daisies and English Ivy are both known for their natural air-filtering properties and, when used in the bedroom, they spruce up the room with natural color and reduce air pollution at the same time.

Try not to use a wood stove as your primary source of heat in the bedroom, as the smoke produced from burning wood can create toxic air as well. Before you reach for the thermostat, remember that the burning of fossil fuels to power electric appliances emits natural gas that contributes to increased air pollution. For the best organic bedroom, add another blanket or handmade, organic-cotton quilt to the pile and snuggle underneath with someone you love.

Creating an organic bedroom is easy once you know the basics. If you have the ability to clean out your room and start fresh, terrific! But if you are going to be living in your room as you redecorate, start slowly, from the ground up, and add to it piece by organic piece. Soon you will be sleeping soundly in a room that is stylish as well as soothing.

How "Green" Are You?They say it's not easy being green, but we beg to differ. In this day and age, conservation is key. As the ozone layer whittles away, the water supply dries up and the environmental bleeding continues, many people are taking a stand and going green. Do you know what it takes to do your part? Take our quick environmental quiz and find out.